Page 71 of The Black Dragon

His gaze settled on Justin.“If you will accept the job. The pay is quite good – ten sacks of gold a month. But it means you both must accept, and worktogether.”

Justin’s smile warmed her. “If Ariel will have me…as her forever mate… Iaccept.”

She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. It felt so wonderful, she could have remained kissing him but for Drust’s gentlecough.

When they broke apart,he placed a hand on each of their shoulders. “It is settled. Thank you. Feel free to go where you wish. First, Justin, I have something foryou.”

The wizard waved a hand. “It’s in your left pocket. I obtained it from your cousin Skylar. It belonged to yourmother.”

Emotion tightened Justin’s face. “Thankyou.”

As Drust walked to the ledge, he glanced over his shoulder. “AndAriel, ask Justin to sing for you now.” He waved a hand and music filled the air, harps and strings and piano. “Justin has a voice that makes othersweep.”

With a snap of his fingers, hevanished.

Justin’s smile dropped. “I don’t thinkso.”

Her heart raced. What had the wizardmeant?